The BEST

WALKS & HIKES

INNER GULF ISLANDS

Glorious view north of Salt Spring Island’s Fulford Harbour and Baynes Peak (Mount Norman) from Portland Island’s Shell Beach at a low tide (072221).

Water access only: The SGI’s Inner Islands are only accessible by paddle craft, private or commercial boat, or water taxi.

INNER ISLANDS’ BEST

HIKES

Portland Island Shoreline Trail (GINPR) • Last hiked by RP: May 2026 • Loop • MODERATE (length) • MAP • Trailhead Coordinates (four options): Princess Bay Campground/Dock—48.72090, -123.36972, Shell Beach Campground—48.72199, -123.38430, Royal Cove Dock—48.73388, -123.37087, Arbutus Point Beach—48.73462, -123.36707 • 7-8.5 km (approx. 4.3-5.3 mi) • 3-5 hrs • Highest Elevation: 17 metres (approx. 56 ft); Lowest Elevation: Sea level • Docks at Princess Bay and Royal Cove • NO fresh water • Amenities: Information/history/interpretive signs at Princess Bay, Royal Cove, and Arbutus Point, picnic tables and pit toilets in three camping areas (Princess Bay, Shell Beach, Arbutus Point), GINPR boat anchorage in Princess Bay and Royal Cove • Dogs on leash • Birders: 133 species since 2002 (eBird) • Highlights/Notes: Eight kilometres of shoreline, shell and sand beaches, best wildflower array in the SGI, abundant marine and bird life, heritage orchard and wild berries, and privacy • Best time of year: Anytime; wildflower season and low tides are the most interesting.

Haumea Trail, Russell Island (GINPR) • Last hiked by RP: September 2025 • Loop with Out & Back Extension • EASY • MAP • Trailhead Coordinates: 48.74750, -123.41243 • 2.3 km (approx. 1.4 mi) • 45-60 mins • Highest Elevation: 11 metres (approx. 36 ft); Lowest Elevation: Sea level • Amenities: Dock, information sign/map, historic Mahoi building and orchard, seasonal park host program, shell beach/midden, pit toilets, GINPR boat anchorage • NO fresh water or camping • Birders: 80 species since 2009 (eBird) • Highlights/Notes: Shell midden, offshot paths to great south-facing views, apple picking in heritage Mahoi Orchard, fascinating Hawaiian history • Best time of year: Fall for the apples and peace and quiet.

Isle-de-Lis/Rum Island Trail (GINPR) • Last hiked by RP: August 2025 • Loop • EASY • MAP • Trailhead Coordinates: 48.66276, -123.28027 • 1.3 km (approx. .8 mi) • 30-45 mins • Highest Elevation: 7 metres (approx. 23 ft); Lowest Elevation: Sea level • Amenities: GINPR signage, pit toilets, platform/ground camping • NO fresh water • Birders: 67 species since 2015 (eBird) • Highlights/Notes: Very secluded location, beach, possible whale sightings in Haro Strait, close to Mandarte Island bird research station (IBA Canada site), Pacific harbour seal haulout off Tom Point • Best time of year: Spring and summer during wildflower season and Southern Resident orca residency.